Tony Abbott wins landslide Australian poll

NOT OVER:The exit polls point to an easy victory for Abbott, but the Greens, independents and fringe parties might still hold the balance of senate power

Reuters, SYDNEY and CANBERRA

However, he spent election night in a private suite of a plush Sydney hotel, with his family and close supporters, including his political mentor and former Australian prime minister John Howard. He had yet to declare victory at press time.

Rudd spent election night at a sports stadium in Brisbane and had yet to comment on the election.